The first show highlighted the music of John Coltrane and the poetry of Amiri Baraka. Spotlight on Jazz and Poetry (SOJP) has since featured artists such as Dinah Washington (musician), George Benson (musician), Arine Ward (poet), Stephane Moore (poet), and Lawrence Jones (musician). Leaving no stone unturned, SOJP features both legends and the newer artists in both genres. SOJP is also known for its in-depth interviews with artists such as Nikki Giovanni (poet) and Mulgrew Miller (musician). These interviews provide artists with a forum to talk about their work and the creative process.